MICHELLE RYAN

Michelle Ryan was born on the 22nd April 1984, in Enfield, Middlesex with her mum Tina and dad Craig. When Michelle was at school, she had a Saturday job at Pineapple Studio's, which is a main training base for singers and actors, such as 5ive, Billie Piper and many other top successful singers.

Michelle's first break into fame came on a CITV programme called "The Worst Witch". She also had several other minor roles in top programmes. It was at the age of 16, she broke into the bigtime. She went for an audition for the BBC soap EastEnders. Michelle admitted in People on Sunday Magazine that she thought she would fail, as she was up against several blonde girls.

However the story was much different, and her dad, fireman Craig (who has the same name as me as a coincidence) received a phone call from BBC.

Michelle from that point onwards has been ever present in the BBC soap. Michelle admits she has been very close to her onscreen family, especially Jessie Wallace who plays Zoe's onscreen mum Kat Slater. The Kat and Zoe relationship has been one of BBC's biggest storylines.

Despite being famous, Michelle hasn't lost her roots, and still lives with her mum and dad in their North London home. She says the advantage of being famous, is that she can buy her mum and dad special thank you presents. She is currently single (until I come in, hehe).

Michelle's favourite actresses are Angelina Jolie, Liv Tyler and Meryl Streep. Her favourite actor is Robert De Niro. She also admires Joseph Fiennes, Jude Law, Brad Pitt, Leonardo Di Caprio and Josh Hartnett.

Michelle recently took 2 months off work after falling ill with depression, but she is back on her feet now. Michelle doesn't blame Footballers Wive$ star Gary Lucy for her illness, and is annoyed that everyone keeps blaming him for her time off.

Michelle is currently ranked in the top 100 sexiest women in Lad's mag FHM, at position 70! But we are sure she will gain another promotion for next seasons awards.